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Having your phone stolen or your SIM card lost is not just a minor problem, it can also cause huge financial loss to you. In today’s digital age, your SIM card is not just limited to making phone calls. It is linked to your bank account, Aadhaar card, UPI payment apps like PhonePe, Google Pay and other important services. Also, the OTP required for most online transactions these days also comes on this number. Therefore, if this SIM card falls into the wrong hands, the chances of its misuse and financial fraud are high.

Whether you have a SIM card of any company like Jio, Airtel, Vi (Vodafone Idea) or BSNL, if it is lost then it is very important to block it immediately and get a new SIM. For this, you can block it using some easy tips.

Block SIM by calling customer care
As soon as you realize that you have lost your SIM card, call the customer care number given below from another phone. The representative will need to provide some personal information (like name, date of birth, address and last recharge) to prove ownership of your SIM card.

Jio customers: Call 1800-889-9999.
Airtel customers: Call 121 (from Airtel number) or 1800-103-4444.
Vi customers: Call 199 (from Vi number) or 9820098200.
BSNL Customers: Call 1503 (1503) or 1800-180-1503.
Use the company’s official website or app

All major telecom companies provide the facility of ‘lost SIM’ or SIM blocking on their websites and official apps. For this, go to the official app or website of the concerned company (MyJio, Airtel Thanks, Vi App). There, go to the ‘Support’ or ‘Help & Support’ section and select the ‘Block SIM’ or ‘Lost SIM’ option. Suspend the SIM by entering your lost number and using the OTP received on another number or completing other verification steps.

Use ‘Sanchar Sathi’ portal
The Department of Telecommunications, Government of India has launched the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ (sancharsaathi.gov.in) portal. With the help of CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) service on this portal, you can block both the SIM card and stolen phone of any company in the country from one place. Due to this your phone will not be able to be used anywhere in the country.

How to get a new SIM card in place of a lost SIM card?
After successfully blocking the SIM card, you can get it replaced by visiting the nearest store of your telecom operator (like Jio Store, Airtel Store, Vi Store). To change SIM, you must have valid Proof of Identity (POI). Aadhar card is the best option for this. If the SIM is in your name, you will have to go there yourself. Depending on the companies, a nominal fee of ₹ 25 to ₹ 50 is charged for changing the SIM. While changing your SIM, you must have an active recharge plan on that number.

As per TRAI security norms, SMS service is completely disabled for the first 24 hours after the new SIM card is activated. That means, you will start receiving bank OTP or general messages only after 24 hours. So, if you lose your phone or SIM, do not waste time and first secure your SIM with the methods mentioned above, so that you are safe from any possible cyber crime or fraud.